Chicago Bears Stock Report: These coaching candidates are on the move

Chicago Bears Head Coach Candidate: Sean Payton – Stock Rising

Last Week: Stock Neutral

Listen, the only reason that Sean Payton’s stock is rising in regards to the Chicago Bears head coaching vacancy we are most likely to see in two to three weeks is that the media and fans are driving it. I guess it is possible that Payton’s agent might be leaking some things for leverage too, but to be honest, I don’t see how Payton can be looking to leverage anything with the Saints other than a way out of his contract or for them to seek a trade.

Head coaching trades are rather rare, but they do happen. As of now, Payton is signed through 2026. His prior contract would have expired at the end of 2021 had it not been for a five-year extension he signed in 2019. If, and this is a very big if, Sean Payton is truly available in some strange way, then the Chicago Bears must consider it as a top priority.

When it comes to any shortlist, Sean Payton would be at the very top. He has the pedigree and proven track record that none of the other potential coaches have right now. The only other coach that I would put in line with Payton would be Mike Tomlin. There has been some rumblings about Tomlin in Pittsburgh lately, but I honestly think that’s less likely than Payton. Tomlin is signed through 2024 and the team is likely to be looking for a new quarterback as Ben Roethlisberger retires.